One week after Graves finished school at Charterhouse, England declared war on Germany. Various propagandistic media stories immediately circulated about supposed German atrocities; as the days went by the stories became increasingly anti-German. Graves' family contained many members—often close relatives—who fought in the German armed forces during the war; he lists several and notes that nearly without exception they were all killed in action.

Excited by the prospect of war, Graves enlisted in a local unit. The enlistment secretary suggested Graves enroll as an officer, due to his educational background and having served briefly in the Officers' Training Corps. Thus, Graves enrolled at the nearest regimental depft—the Royal Welch Fusiliers at Wrexham. Graves spent three weeks in basic training, making several standard military gaffes such as saluting the Bandmaster. He was subsequently transferred to the 3rd Battalion, a militia...